Top Door Hinge Loose

Open the door wide and insert a wedge under the bottom outside corner to level it.

Top door hinge loose.

If you encounter movement at the hinge screws they need to be retightened. If the hinge screws have been loose for only a short time you may need to tighten them with a screwdriver. If a door binds open it grasp the knob and lift up to see if a hinge is loose. Ask a helper to hold up the door and align the pin barrel on both halves of the hinge.

If one is loose remove two or more screws and try driving in longer screws. Binding problems at the top of any door are usually the result of a loose hinge. Tap the hinge pin back into the door with a hammer at the top of the pin barrel. Break the tee off even with the bottom of the mortise.

Remove the loose screws. If the hinge and jamb are painted cut the paint around the leaf with a utility knife swing the leaf away from the jamb. Remove the screws that hold the loose hinge leaf to the door jamb. Open the door grasp it by the lock edge and move it up and down.

Coat a wooden golf tee with glue. Allow the glue to dry. Test the hinge on the latch side a door is cut at a slight bevel to make it easier to close. Tap the tee into the hinge screw hole with a hammer.

First check that the hinge screws are tight. Reinstall the hinge and screws in the holes. Score the tee with a utility knife flush with the mortise.